HB 48 bad for the public

The Ohio House of Representatives has done it again, passing another unnecessary and ridiculous gun law — House Bill 48 (guns everywhere).

This bill would allow hidden loaded weapons on college campuses, school safety zones, day care facilities, public areas of airport terminals, certain government facilities and even police stations.

This bill would give public and private universities in Ohio the choice of allowing concealed handguns on campus. Universities that allow hidden handguns would be granted legal immunity for any injuries or deaths that occur as a result.

The legislation would further allow concealed-carry permit holders to take loaded handguns into school safety zones if the firearms are left in the car. Current law only allows people to carry concealed handguns in zones when they are immediately picking up or dropping off a child.

Permit holders would be allowed to carry concealed weapons into private day care facilities when children are present. The person that resides at the home day care may now concealed-carry around the children.

There is the assumption that just because you have a handgun permit that you know what you’re doing. Even if something happens, it doesn’t mean that you’re not as big of a threat to the public by hitting the wrong person.

This bill is opposed by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ohio Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and many other organizations. It is clearly a step in the wrong direction for our stand and it is the opposite of protecting life.

Stop this bill at the Senate!

Contact your local state senator and tell them you oppose this bill: District 5, Bill Beagle, (614) 466-6247, email beagle@ohiosenate.gov.